Five factors figure into UH's 10-0 season

Updated 1:14 am, Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Coach Kevin Sumlin, right, attributes much of UH's success to experience. It also helps having Case Keenum on your side.

Coach Kevin Sumlin, right, attributes much of UH's success to experience. It also helps having Case Keenum on your side.

Photo: Nick De La Torre

Five factors figure into UH's 10-0 season

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The offense

Not just No. 1 in the nation, it's No. 1 in history (so far). The Cougars are averaging 628.8 yards per game, which ranks first in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision history, just ahead of the 1989 Cougars (625). Averaging 54.7 points per game, the unit is closing in on the all-time scoring average record, too, held by Army (56 points per game).

Experience

There may be only 18 seniors on the team, but most of them either start or play significant roles. Coach Kevin Sumlin has said on several occasions this year that "there's no substitute for experience." A big key to that is that many of those starters (and coaches) were around in 2009 when UH reached No. 12 in the national rankings twice but lost afterward each time. The leadership is keeping the Cougars focused this time around.

Good fortune

The Cougars have no doubt had some luck, particularly when it comes to health. While they have suffered their fair share of injuries, they've been able to avoid the season-ending variety, particularly to starters. Plus, it took a few breaks for UH to overcome a 27-point deficit against host Louisiana Tech in non-conference play.

Improved defense and special teams

The Cougars have made significant strides defensively, going from near the bottom in the country in several areas last season to the middle of the pack and even the top half this season. UH ranks 41st in scoring defense (22.8 points per game) and 67th in total defense (393.2 yards per game). The punting and kicking games and coverage teams have been solid, and the Cougars have returned a kickoff and two punts for touchdowns.

The schedule

While the Cougars have had to get through some short weeks with three Thursday games, the opposition hasn't been strong. Of the teams the Cougars have defeated, just three have records of .500 or better, and the 10 have a combined record of 35-56 (.384 winning percentage). But in the coming weeks, the Cougars will face good teams: SMU (6-4), Tulsa (7-3) and possibly No. 22 Southern Mississippi (9-1).